WHAT CUSTOMER SAYS?

Nuala O'Duffy was short sighted and had been wearing contact lenses for over twenty years. She finally decided to have laser eye surgery in the LaserVision Dublin Eye Clinic on Leeson Street with Mr John Fenton FRCSI, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon. Below is Nuala's diary account of the procedure.

Nuala

It's the night before surgery. I've kept myself busy all week trying to forget about it, to keep myself calm. I've been here before - preparing for operations - but this time it's different, I'll be awake - help! Logically I shouldn't be worried. There have been no horror stories, no reports of long term problems. There's so many clinics opening now, it must work. My other big worry was that I would jump with fright or terror during the procedure and the laser instrument would jam in my eye and blind me... Well, I'm glad to say that can't happen. My eye is kept in place and even if I move, the machine automatically tracks the movements. I also know it won't hurt. Mr Fenton, the surgeon, demonstrated the level of pressure my eye will feel - by just pressing my eyelid. He certainly knew what he was talking about. This seems like second nature to him.

OK, a hot port and early night is needed. Please let me sleep.

My New Laservision

Thursday, November 29, 2007: Night before surgery

It's a miracle - I was so caught up in thinking about the procedure and how I'd manage the aftercare, I'd forgotten about the result! Had my post surgery check this am - 24 hours later - and already my sight is perfect. I could even drive today if I want! I am on a high. I just want to tell everyone they should get this done! All the warnings that I might have blurred vision at first and that my eyes would feel gritty were all wrong.

I can't say surgery was easy. It was the most terrifying thing I've every done in my life. But it was all about mind over matter. It was the thought of what was being done that scared me. And I was scared. By yesterday morning, I was a bag of nerves and could hardly sign my signature on the approval form. I was given 2 Valium to calm my nerves and sat in reception, waiting for them to transport me to a high that I wouldn't know what was happening... it didn't happen but they did help prevent me from running out the door. I was brought down to the surgery rooms - cold and sparkling and full of big machines. My eyes were washed, checked and I was brought into the next room with even more machines, complete with blue hat and shoes. Ray, the technician, saw the bundle of nerves that had arrived but I got the impression he'd seen it before... He gently sat me down and explained what exactly was going to happen. Mr Fenton arrived and Noreen, the nurse . The only thing now I had to do was approve their choice of music. Yes, Diva would be great. It seems it was written in time to the surgery or was it the other way around? As the laser fired into action, the crescendo of her voice reached a peak... and then it was brought back to normal. I heard Ray's voice "20 seconds of surgery, 10...." and one eye was done! I was wheeled over to quickly check all was ok and then back again before I knew it. The patch was swapped, clamp on left eye (this was, as i was warned, the worst bit) but 10 seconds of uncomfortable pressure later, it was gone, it was back to the laser again. "20 seconds, 10..."... my surgery was complete! I'd done it! I gave the squashy ball back that had helped calm my nerves and many like me. Mr Fenton checked my eyes, gave a final 'brush' on one and then I was back up the stairs to reception. At most, 5 minutes was all it took! My sister took me home, muzzy and dizzy, the plastic eye shields hidden by dark sunglasses. Already on the way home, I realised I could read a car reg!

I hardly remember getting into bed but I slept! Two hours later, I woke... this was really uncomfortable, I wanted to rub my eyes and was terrified to open them. I did and felt awful and hungry and scared. I got up slowly and came into my front room. I could see across the road, I could see clearly and make out people! It wasn't a blur. I'll never forget that feeling. I had coffee and something to eat and went back to bed for two peaceful hours of sleep. I got up, showered and went to a dinner party. No one believed what I had done that day!

3pm, Saturday, December 1: 24 Hour Post-op Check

Had my one month post -op consultation with Mr Fenton -they are very happy with results and I now have perfect visionJ

January 10: One Month Post Op Check Up

I cannot get over what a difference laser eye surgery has made to the normal routines in life. I can get out of the house faster in the morning because I don't have to spend time putting in lenses. I can see the swimming pool and people around me so I no longer bang into people on the way! I can go out in the sunshine without having to wear sunglasses and look forward to finding my way back from the sea in the summer time!

January 30: Two Months Later -My Life Has Changed

Surgery quick and painless
I had the surgery 3 weeks ago and have to say the results have been brilliant. The surgery itself was quick and painless. I was out in minutes. I noticed better results immediately and could see the news on the television that evening, I could even read the ticker!. The only issue I had was a slight dryness of the eyes initially which Mr Fenton had told me to expect and now I hardly have to put the drops in at all. The team in Laservision were great from start to finish and I highly recommend.

Feb 2 2009 - 20:42 - Joe Martin

LaserVision
I had Wavefront Lasik surgery at Laservision in January 2008 . My sister, Nuala (above!) persuaded me. I was extremely squeamish about having the procedure but I have to say Mr Fenton and his team were just fantastic; everything was explained clearly to me beforehand and on the day of the operation, they made sure I felt (relatively!) at ease. I am thrilled with the result- no more horrible glasses and I'm finally able to buy proper sunglasses! I was also very impressed with the aftercare I received. I would highly recommend Laservision to anyone considering laser eye surgery.

February 26, 2009 - 15:50 - Ann O'Duffy

Pre-op and aftercare important to me
I'd checked a number of options before deciding on LaserVision. Lots of clinics out there but I finally decided to go with them as Mr Fenton the surgeon was able to meet me before, during and after surgery. I had Lasek and had slight complications after surgery with dry eye for about 5 weeks. He recommended drops and they worked well. It was very re-assuring to be able to meet my surgeon each time. LaserVision had no problem with me making extra appointments. Everything is perfect now and so glad I had surgery, Go for it!

March 4 2009 - G.M.

Thanks to team at Laservision
Great team at Laservision -really put you at your ease and explain everything clearly. Aftercare superb and nice to know the surgeons are around if you need them! Thanks Laservision.

May 3 2009 - 21:55 - Tony O'Shea

Staff fantastic
Very happy to recommend Laservision. Had my surgery done over a year ago and thrilled with the results. Staff and Mr Fenton the surgeon were fantastic and very re-assuring to have aftercare appointments.

May 23 2009 - 13:41 - Margaret Tracy

Wavefront Lasek no problems
I'd Wavefront Lasek eye surgery at LaserVision three months ago. Really happy with my experience -staff and surgeon Mr Fenton were all great and helped to calm my nerves. I was able to go back to work after a few days but took about another two weeks to adjust to my new eyes. After that it has been plain sailing and I only regret I didn't get the surgery sooner.

June 18 2009- 21:18 - M. Boylan

Happy to recommend laservision
Happy to recommend laservision, just had my three month post op check up yesterday and got the all clear -yes, bye bye glasses!

October 24, 2009, 4:48 Pm - B Walsh

High prescription
I’d laser eye surgery (Lasek) in Laservision last September. I’d a very high prescription and chose this clinic because aftercare with the surgeon was very important as I knew I might have to have a slight enhancement three months later and wanted to ensure continuity of care. Secondly I hadn’t realized that other clinics advertising ‘from 595’ etc were charging extra for high prescriptions –I was quoted over 4,000 in another clinic. I think it is important to let people know what to look out for, that’s why I’m posting. Thank you Mr Fenton and the staff at LaserVision. I’ve perfect eyesight now and thrown away my glasses after 25 years!

January 31, 2010, 1:52 Pm - R Fitzpatrick

Recoomend laser eye surgery and Laservision
Had my surgery in Laservision two weeks ago so maybe a bit early to be dancing in glee but soooo excited, cannot believe the difference already –eyesight is perfect and no side effects -15 minutes extra in bed every morning as I don’t have to put in lenses, don’t have to hide indoors when it’s windy and dusty!!! Had been absolutely dreading the surgery as I’m very squeamish -especially with my eyes –but it really was over and done with in a few minutes. The surgeon Mr Fenton and Ray were so reassuring and put me at ease totally. Would definitely recommend laser eye surgery and would definitely recommend Laservision.

February 26, 2010, 8:10 Pm - Emma

laser eye surgery dec 09
Had the laser eye surgery done end Dec 09. The experience was great, no issues, comprehensive detail and information about the surgery, benefits, possible issues. Well worth the money, just sorry i dodn't do it sooner as the amount of time i have lost contact lens, broken glasses etc was unbearable. Great service, patient focussed and you can claim fom VHI and tax back. The surgery was that plesant that i would do it again without hesitation....well done to the team.

Met John Fenton in my taxi as I was driving him home, when he told me he was a Laser eye Surgeon, I told him I had been refused by three other laser clinics because they felt I may need to be done twice and therefore they were not interested John was outraged and told me he would do my eyes not matter what if would take. He was true to his word and has transformed my life by freeing me of the glasses I had to put on every morning before I got out of bed to just see the floor. Thank you John !

May 2, 2012, 5:38 Pm - Nick Lewis

Having my eyes lasered is one of those things I have put off for years. I had LASEK done by Mr Fenton at the end of July 2012. My prescription was -6.00 in right eye and -5.5 in my left eye and on my one month check-up,my vision is 6:4 (better than 20/20)! The healing process was a little rough for the first few hours on the day of surgery, but after that as each day past my eyesight got a little better, in fact it still feels like it is getting even sharper. John is confident at his job and this relaxed me for the procedure, which was straight forward and fast. Thank you so much to John and his team, I am delighted with the results.

September 4, 2012, 2:53 Pm - Siobhan O'Grady

17/12/12 Treatment was perfect my vision is 20/20 and the level of care and support was exactly what anyone would wish for. Highly recommand John + staff to anyone considering laser treatment

December 2, 2013, 3:34 Pm - James McCusker

11/02/13 I had my procedure last October. Naturally i was v nervous as my vision was very poor. The experiance from my inital enquiry to my check ups has been fantastic. Iam so happy with my results and would recommand Dr Fenton to anyone. Rachel Walsh

December 2, 2013, 3:51 Pm - Rachel Walsh

08/11/12 I had my consultation last March and finally had my surgery in November. Fantastic experiance with Dr Fenton very relaxed during whole procedure. I recommand Dr Fenton and Laservision to everyone i meet. Thanks to all. Miranda O Brien

December 2, 2013, 4:17 Pm - Miranda O Brien

30/11/12 The results are better then i expected. Without doubt the best decision I have ever made was to get Laser Eye Surgery. Thank you. David HILL

December 2, 2013, 4:23 Pm - David Hill

08/03/13 I had my eyes lasered in laservision and its the best thing ive ever done. What made it easier was that the staff where so compassionate it can be daunting someone touching your eyes but the staff made it feel so easy. Thank you Laservision. Avril Deane

December 3, 2013, 12:31 Pm - Avril Deane

05/10/12 I attended Laservision from a referral from a friend. I had lasek treatment and was worried about the amount of down time and pain. Apart from the inital few days everything was fine. Iam now 4 weeks post surgery and my sight is pretty much perfect and getting better. Thanks to John + Mick great people and a great practice. Madeleine Bracken

December 3, 2013, 12:48 Pm - Madeline Bracken

30/05/13 Iam so happy with my treatment and aftercare with laservision.
Today is my weekly check and my vision is perfect.
I could see straight away after surgery which was amazing.
I would recommand this to anyone as its well worth the money.
Also staff so helpful and friendly. Claire Wallace

December 5, 2013, 10:13 Am - Claire Wallace

23/05/13 One day after treatment and Iam over the moon with the results. I cant believe i can see so clearly. This is a complete miracle and I cant explain how much i appreciate the level of care and committment i have received. I will be recommanding Laservision + Dr Fenton to anyone I meet. Thanks so much for making something i never thought possible a reality. Claie Moran

December 5, 2013, 10:27 Am - Claire Moran

07/06/13 So good to be able to see normally. Like everyone I left it way to long to get it done but delighted that i now have no need for glasses or contacts again. The process was so simple and over in minutes. Would recommand Laservision no problem. You are walked through each step so you dont feel anxious. Thanks. Malachy Ward

December 5, 2013, 10:38 Am - Malachy Ward

20/06/13 One day after surgery and the results are great. John and his team where great throughout and really put me at ease. Its the best decision I have made getting the procedure done and even better decision to use Laservision. Jack Burke

December 5, 2013, 10:54 Am - Jack Burke

18/07/13
6 months post surgery & I couldn't be happier. Mr Fenton & his team were excellent throughout not only the procedure but for all my follow up visits. Thank you so much for everything, Grainne

January 30, 2014, 11:01 Pm - Grainne

I just had my Lasik surgery with DR.Fenton in laser Vision yesterday and I can't believe how amazing my sight is today (not even 24hours later)!! I am over the moon! My eyes are still adjusting and settling from the surgery but so far so good! I can see clearer than ever! Dr.Fenton and his team are very professional and I felt safe and at ease. The surgery itself was quick and painless and I think Lasik is the best decision I ever made! wow what a miracle! I am on a high I am SO HAPPY! Shahira :)

April 29, 2014, 6:31 Pm - Shahira Barry

miss
I just had my Lasik surgery with DR.Fenton in laser Vision yesterday and I can't believe how amazing my sight is today (not even 24hours later)!! I am over the moon! My eyes are still adjusting and settling from the surgery but so far so good! I can see clearer than ever! Dr.Fenton and his team are very professional and I felt safe and at ease. The surgery itself was quick and painless and I think Lasik is the best decision I ever made! wow what a miracle! I am on a high I am SO HAPPY! Shahira :)

April 29, 2014, 6:32 Pm - Shahira Barry

miss
I just had my Lasik surgery with DR.Fenton in laser Vision yesterday and I can't believe how amazing my sight is today (not even 24hours later)!! I am over the moon! My eyes are still adjusting and settling from the surgery but so far so good! I can see clearer than ever! Dr.Fenton and his team are very professional and I felt safe and at ease. The surgery itself was quick and painless and I think Lasik is the best decision I ever made! wow what a miracle! I am on a high I am SO HAPPY! Shahira :)

April 29, 2014, 6:33 Pm - Shahira Barry

I'd like to wholeheartedly recommend John and Laservision. Now that I'm well over a year post-surgery I can say that my vision is still just as acute, there have been zero problems. Very glad that I got the procedure done